Yes, alpacas can eat rutabaga (swede) — in moderation.
Traditional winter livestock root in Europe.
- Verdict
- In moderation
- Serving size
- A few slices
- Preparation
- Slice thinly.
- Food group
- Vegetable
- Sugar per 100 g
- 4.5 g
Risks to know
- Brassica family: in large amounts can cause gas, goiter (iodine interference) and anemia
- Choke (esophageal obstruction) — alpacas gulp treats; cut into thin strips or small pieces
How to feed rutabaga (swede) safely
- Slice thinly.
- Offer by hand or spread out in a shallow pan so greedy eaters don't gulp — a few slices.
- Keep all treats under about 5% of the daily diet; hay or pasture and a camelid mineral come first.
- Introduce anything new gradually and watch droppings for the next day.
Nutrition facts (per 100 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | What it means for alpacas |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 89.4 g | Hydrating |
| Energy | 37 kcal | Low calorie |
| Sugars | 4.5 g | Moderate |
| Fiber | 2.3 g | Low fiber |
| Protein | 1.1 g | |
| Fat | 0.2 g | |
| Calcium | 43 mg | |
| Phosphorus | 53 mg | |
| Vitamin C | 25.0 mg | Not required — camelids make their own |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy — “Rutabagas, raw” (FDC ID 168454).
Sugar compared with other treats
Grams of sugar per 100 g. Lower-sugar treats are kinder to the fore-stomach microbes and waistline.
Other good treats
Frequently asked questions
Can alpacas eat rutabaga (swede)?
Yes, alpacas can eat rutabaga (swede) — in moderation. Traditional winter livestock root in Europe.
How much rutabaga (swede) can I give my alpaca?
A few slices. Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
How should I prepare rutabaga (swede) for alpacas?
Slice thinly.
How much sugar is in rutabaga (swede)?
About 4.5 g of sugar per 100 g (USDA FoodData Central).
Can baby alpacas (crias) eat it?
Crias should get milk, then hay and pasture. Hold off on treats until they are weaned and eating forage well, and always use tiny pieces.
See the complete list of foods alpacas can and can't eat, our feeding guide and the toxic plant checker.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a veterinarian who has examined your animals. Camelid medicine uses many drugs “extra-label”, so dosing must come from your vet. In an emergency, call your vet first. Read our disclaimer · How we write and review content.